12.30.2008

Where has 2008 gone? Right now I feel like I am in a mad dash to a finish line, which I guess is the last day of the year...tomorrow! It is hard to believe another year has come and gone. How will you be bringing in the new year? A big party or low-key gathering? We are back home for three days of work and then on the road again. We had a wonderful and lovely Christmas holiday and I hope to re-cap it soon enough (but not sure if I will get there). Right now the hubby has to work all day tomorrow (total bummer) and then we are off to Auburn to spend New Years Eve with my brother who has bring in the new year working (he is a bartender). Sorry for posts being few and far between. Happy Happy New Year and see you in 2009!

When I saw this photo on In(side) the LoopI thought it was a perfect example of how we will feel in no time...the car full with presents, Tucker with his head out the window (instead of a tree), and us happy to be going home to celebrate! And being married to an engineer, the car has been planned for the best packing arrangement for the luggage, presents, pet, and us. Now he just has to get home from work! (unfortunately he had to go in this morning). Well, I need to get the last bag packed and we are set for the road. Wishing any and all who are traveling this Christmas season safe travels!

12.22.2008

In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season we get excited about decorating, presents, holiday parties, traditions, and spending time with friends and family. But let us not forget why we celebrate this time of the year; the birth of our Lord, Jesus.

"Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

With a few days left before Christmas do not let last minute details of gifts, dinners, and travel plans come between reflecting on the Spirit of the season, all the many blessings we have received throughout the year, and the ultimate gift of Jesus. I pray your Christmas is filled with joy, peace, laughter, and love!

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:14

12.19.2008

It's the last weekend before Christmas, hope you are set. The hubby and I have some last minute errands to run and a few gifts to finish wrapping and we are ready for Christmas. I also have to clean house and catch up on all the laundry before we leave next week for the holidays, after our two day work week!

12.17.2008

OK, not so much in the south, but you get the idea. The high in Atlanta today could get up to 68 degrees!? I don't like being cold, but I am ready for it to be cold again and to have a frosty Christmas!

12.11.2008

Each year I have to buy a new ornament. I just love ornaments! A year before our first Christmas I went out to the after Christmas sales and got some basic Christmas decor. This was a suggestion from my sister, because she said she didn't have anything for their first Christmas and it was quite expensive to purchase everything. So I just bought the basics: lights, stockings, tree skirt, tree topper, ribbon, and red, green, and silver balls. Over the past 2 years I have bought 2-3 ornaments throughout the season, so now our tree is an eclectic blend of ornaments. For this year, I bought our ornaments while on our anniversary trip; two snowflakes and a silver plated 'Merry Christmas' sign. I just love that some of the ornaments have a story behind them. I am one of the only sappy people who do this, or do you have ornaments that have 'stories'? (Just last year, we told our mom that she didn't have to put the ornaments that we made in grade school on her tree anymore; they can stay in the keep-sake box).

12.09.2008

I have all my Christmas shopping finished, except for three more people. I have also wrapped all of them as well. But after seeing these festive gifts wrapped, I need to go back and add a little more to mine to compete with these.

One of my very best friends, and artist, Courtney J. Garrett had her gallery opening last week at Bennett Street Gallery. She had a wonderful turn out. We enjoyed going and always love seeing her new series. (all rights reserved of Courtney J. Garrett)

12.07.2008

Last week, hubby and I went down to the tree lot of the tree farm that comes into town to pick out our Christmas tree. We also bought from them last year. They are so friendly, always have a great selection, proceeds benefit the local middle school, and the tree stay fresh, smells wonderful, and last through the season. While there we loaded up the back of the vehicle with a very large pile of extra branches, that they were happy to give away, so I could do me best effort at making garland (I did ok). We always enjoy picking out a Christmas tree, but do miss the days of our childhood of going to the 'cut your own' Christmas tree farm, getting hot chocolate, and running through the rows of Christmas trees looking for just the right one. We did this every year when I was a child until the farm closed. If you ever have a chance to go, or take your kids, to a 'cut your own tree' farm, go! It is always an enjoyable and memorable time.